Our support groups and one-on-one peer connections help you meet others in the burn community. These relationships are important for both your physical and emotional healing. Whether you're in the hospital or recovering at home, we offer support through in-person and virtual options.
You don’t have to go through this alone—many others are on this same path of healing. Together, we grow stronger and find the power to move forward.
Experienced Care Managers deliver in-hospital and post-discharge aid and facilitate further connection with burn unit staff, and adult burn survivor peer counselors.
Our team is in close contact with major burn center facilities across the state, and we make every effort to visit new burn survivors during their hospital stay. We provide emergency financial assistance to burn survivors based on need, on a case-by-case basis. If approved, financial support is provided for family members in the form of gas, grocery and Target cards as well as hotel accommodations.
Post-discharge aid includes support in obtaining medical supplies, based on need, and cosmetic and image support. In addition to helping you manage both physical and emotional challenges we strongly encourage you to participate in a Support Group. Be sure to view our video where burn survivors talk about the importance of this support to their healing.
Those last few days in the burn unit were just a blur. I felt lost when I got home and didn’t remember a thing I was supposed to do. I had to get re-educated on my first clinic visit.”
Burn Survivor
I felt like I was an adult in an infant’s body. I couldn’t open milk bottle tops. I couldn’t eat. I could barely walk. I thought my life was forever going to depend on others to help me with the simplest of tasks.”
Burn Survivor
|
Northern California
|
Frequency
|
Time
|
Day
|
|---|---|---|---|
| Santa Clara Valley Medical Center, San Jose | Monthly | 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm | Tuesday |
| UCSF Health Saint Francis Support Group, San Francisco | Monthly | 11:30 am - 1:00 pm | Thursday |
Central California
|
| Fresno Community Regional Medical Center | Monthly | 6:30 pm - 8:00 pm | Tuesday |
Southern California
|
| LA General Support Group, Los Angeles | Weekly | 2:30 pm - 3:00 pm | Wednesday |
Not until I finally let my emotions escape did I have any kind of relief. My advice is to shed your emotions freely. Don’t bury them. Join a support group and seek as much contact with other patients as possible. Family and friends should do the same”
Burn Survivor
|
|
Frequency
|
Time
|
Day
|
|---|---|---|---|
| Burn Survivor Support Group | Monthly | 6:30 pm – 8:00 pm | Tuesday |
| Spanish-speaking Support Group | Monthly | 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm | Tuesday |
|
Family and Caregiver Support Group For family members and caregivers only (closed to burn survivors) |
Monthly | 7:00 pm – 8:30 pm | Thursday |
|
Burn Care Professionals Support Group For medical professionals, first responders and nonprofit staff and volunteers only |
Monthly | 7:00 pm – 8:30 pm | Thursday |
| What Now? Workshop | Monthly | 7:00 pm – 8:30 pm | Thursday |
I felt welcomed into the support group and quickly connected with the other burn survivors who know what I’ve gone through. The sessions offer practical advice and have made me more comfortable with myself and my burn injuries.”
Burn Survivor
James Bosch was burned as an infant and became leader in the burn community, helping burn survivors and their families heal through counseling and volunteering for many organizations including the Alisa Ann Ruch Burn Foundation and the Phoenix Society. His impact on many lives across his life— with his ready smile, humor and passion to support others in their healing journey was legendary. He inspired many to become counselors, and for all who knew him to strive to be better.
The James Bosch Therapy Grant provides financial assistance for therapeutic counseling for burn survivors, family members or caregivers.
Rehab is tough. I cried a lot, but I lived through it. Although sometimes I didn’t see it that way. But because I lived through it I can walk upright instead of being bent over, and I can move my right arm.
Burn Survivor
